Next Green Thing: LEED And Green Design

We begin today with a look at a new tick in green architecture. "Sustainability" has been the buzz word as architects and builders incorporate natural materials and use less energy and natural resources in new buildings. An eco-friendly stamp of approval was created in 2000 called "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design," or LEED, to help streamline the process. But designers of some recent high-profile projects, including Renzo Piano, designer of The New York Times’ new building in midtown Manhattan, have decided to forego LEED in favor of their own version of green design.

Joining Word of Mouth with more is William Bostwick. He writes about art and architecture for Metropolis, Dwell and other publications. His article on LEED and green design appears in the July/August issue of GOOD Magazine.